Army Flying Museum Wins Silver at Beautiful South Awards for Tourism Event of the Year in the UK

Published on December 14, 2025

This was a fantastic achievement not only for the Army Flying Museum but also for tourism in the South East generally. The museum won the silver award for Tourism Event of the Year at the prestigious Beautiful South Awards. The accolade has shown how popular the annual Wallop Wheels & Wings event staged by the museum is becoming as it cements its position as one of the leading visitor attractions and an essential fund-raising event for the museum.

The Beautiful South Awards, staged by Tourism South East, recognize excellence in the field of tourism, from outstanding attractions and events, through to quality hospitality businesses. The success of the Army Flying Museum at the awards is testament to the effect it has on local tourism, the level of visitor engagement, and its position within the community as a focal point of culture and history.

The Army Flying Museum: A Centre for History and Heritage

The Army Flying Museum, located in Middle Wallop, Hampshire, is a treasure trove of British military aviation history, dedicated to showcasing the stories and achievements of Army aviation through time. The museum, home to a collection of aircraft, artifacts, and interactive exhibits, draws visitors from far and wide, offering them a glimpse into the evolution of military aviation. Its mission is not just to educate but to inspire, offering a comprehensive narrative about the contribution of Army aviation to global conflicts and peacekeeping efforts.

Over the years, the Army Flying Museum has become more than just an exhibition space. Through events like Wallop Wheels & Wings, it has cemented its position as a popular destination for aviation enthusiasts, families, and those looking for unique ways to engage with British history. The event has evolved into a significant tourism draw, attracting a growing number of visitors each year and providing a platform for fundraising that directly supports the museum’s continued growth.

Wallop Wheels & Wings: A Show of Aviation and Automotive Excellence

Wallop Wheels & Wings has quickly become the highlight of the museum’s calendar, combining the best of both the aviation and automotive worlds. The event celebrates a dynamic array of vintage cars, motorcycles, and classic aircraft, creating an exciting spectacle that appeals to all ages. Visitors can expect to see stunning aircraft on display, along with thrilling air displays, while classic cars and motorcycles line the grounds, showcasing the best of vintage engineering.

The event first launched in 2021, and since then, it has grown in scale and popularity. Each year, Wallop Wheels & Wings has attracted larger crowds, bringing together families, history buffs, and motorsport fans. The museum’s ability to merge aviation with automotive culture offers something for everyone, from the chance to witness breathtaking aerobatic performances to getting up close with rare vintage vehicles.

Lucy Johnson, the Chief Executive of the Army Flying Museum, spoke with pride about the museum’s success at the Beautiful South Awards, saying, “We are so thrilled to have been given this award which recognizes the hard work that the entire team of staff and volunteers at the museum has achieved over the last few years.” She added, “Wallop Wheels & Wings is our flagship event, and we are extremely proud of how it has developed since our inaugural event in 2021.”

Tourism and Community Impact of the Event

Wallop Wheels & Wings not only provides an exhilarating experience for visitors but also has a positive economic impact on the surrounding region. The event draws a significant number of tourists to Middle Wallop and nearby towns, contributing to the local economy by supporting nearby hotels, restaurants, shops, and other attractions. With tourism being a key industry in South East England, events like Wallop Wheels & Wings are crucial for local businesses and help bolster the region’s reputation as a must-visit destination.

Additionally, the event’s success helps fund the museum’s ongoing efforts in preserving and showcasing the history of Army aviation. The funds raised at Wallop Wheels & Wings support educational programs, exhibit updates, and the maintenance of aircraft, ensuring that the museum remains a living, breathing monument to military aviation history. This creates a sustainable model for heritage preservation, where tourism dollars directly contribute to the museum’s mission.

In recognition of the museum’s efforts, Lucy Johnson reflected on the significance of the award, saying, “This award represents not just my personal journey but the collective spirit of all those who have worked tirelessly to elevate the museum and the event. It’s truly a team effort, and we’re incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved.”

An Award-Winning Year for the Museum

The silver award for Tourism Event of the Year is just the latest in a series of accolades for the Army Flying Museum. In 2024, the museum also received silver in the Best Small Attraction category at the Beautiful South Awards, further validating its role as a standout tourist destination. These achievements not only reflect the museum’s commitment to excellence but also underscore the growing importance of cultural and historical institutions in attracting tourists to the region.

The recognition of Wallop Wheels & Wings is also a testament to the museum’s ability to evolve and adapt to changing tourism trends. The event appeals to a broad audience, including those interested in aviation history, vintage car collectors, and families seeking a fun day out. This diversity in appeal ensures that the museum can continue to attract a wide range of visitors, contributing to the sustainability of the institution.

A Bright Future for the Army Flying Museum

Looking ahead, the Army Flying Museum plans to continue building on the success of Wallop Wheels & Wings, with plans to expand the event even further. As the museum celebrates its rich history, it also embraces the future, ensuring that new generations can experience the excitement of aviation and the legacy of military aviation in a way that is both educational and entertaining.

As part of its long-term vision, the museum aims to create even more interactive and immersive experiences for visitors, helping to preserve aviation heritage while engaging the public in meaningful ways. Through continued events like Wallop Wheels & Wings and other initiatives, the museum is well-positioned to remain a vital part of the UK’s cultural landscape, drawing tourists from across the country and beyond.

Celebrating Excellence in the Tourism Sector

The Beautiful South Awards provide an important platform to celebrate excellence in the tourism industry, and the Army Flying Museum’s recognition is a significant milestone. The awards aim to highlight outstanding contributions to tourism in South East England, with categories that recognize everything from major events to small attractions and exceptional service. The ceremony, held at the Grand Hotel in Brighton, brought together 75 finalists from tourism and hospitality businesses in the region, celebrating the best of what South East England has to offer.

By winning the silver award for Tourism Event of the Year, the Army Flying Museum has not only solidified its place as a premier cultural institution but also demonstrated the power of well-executed events in driving tourism and community engagement. The museum’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and community involvement serves as a model for other tourism-focused organizations striving for excellence in the sector.

A Must-Visit Destination for Aviation Enthusiasts and Tourists

This is indeed a well-deserved award, considering the constant effort that this museum has given to the tourism sector. Wallop Wheels & Wings has grown into a major annual event, offering a unique blend of aviation and automotive excitement which lures visitors from far and wide. The continued success at this Museum is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion that its staff and volunteers put in, day after day.

It will doubtless continue to play a significant part in developing the tourism experience in South East England and beyond as it looks toward its future events-a heady mix of history, thrill, and community spirit for one and all.